Mary Thory, M.A., L.P.C.-Intern

Professional Background: I received a B.A and an M.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri. I have years of experience working with children, parents and families in many different settings. I have been a nanny, a preschool teacher, a day care center director, a child life specialist in childrenʼs hospitals, a child care consultant and a parenting educator and coach. I received an M.A. in counseling from Sam Houston State University. Before graduation, I worked as an intern at a center for victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault.

Treatment Philosophy: I truly believe that everyone is doing the best they can do with what they have available to them. Life throws us all kinds of challenges, but the only thing we really have any control over is our own thoughts and behaviors. Through both professional and personal experiences I have found that our thoughts guide our emotions which then guide our behavior. Because of these beliefs, I work mainly with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but also use a mixture of therapeutic techniques to meet the individual needs of my clients.

Clinical Focus: Due to my background in working with children and families, my main focus is family interactions, communications and parenting. I also work with challenges like grief, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, adjustment, life transitions, wellness, domestic violence, sexual assault and chronic/terminal illness.

Interests: I love spending time with my family! I am a widowed mother of two wonderful children who are 13 and 16 years old. I now have a significant man in my life too. We have allmade it through several big life transitions with flying colors. Our family also includes three dogs and two snakes. I enjoy working out at the gym, reading, cooking, throwing dinner parties for friends, gardening, traveling and last but not least,eating chocolate!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” - Maria Robinson

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